I fully understand. When something good that you enjoy doing becomes a chore...I've been there. I AM there. Part of it I attribute to age (almost 79) and the reduction of energy. But I know the that much of it is due to the depression I have suffered with throughout my life, and unfortunately have passed on to you. I truly love the way you chose to meet the challenge. You fight the good fight and perservere. And as others have said, give yourself the space to feel and recover.
Jeff, I was so happy to see this post in my inbox! I love everything you shared here, from your very real struggles to the powerful actions that are keeping you going. Thanks, too, for the book reccs! And I'm happy to see so much engagement. As always, your writing is a balm and a boost. And reach out anytime, neighbor. You are wonderful. 💚
This is so, very relatable, Jeff. From the world getting the better of you, to simultaneously wanting to write but not wanting to write. I've experienced similar thoughts and emotions over the last few weeks and I put this weird pressure on myself when I'm not writing as much as I "should." I'm always impressed with anyone who puts in the effort of doing the internal work to get themselves out of whatever funk/depression/world-induced anxiety they find themselves in so, you have my respect there. And you also gave me a few books to add to my Goodreads list so, thanks for that too! Just, thanks, Jeff. Show up how and when you can. I'm here for it.
Thanks, Lindsay. I appreciate the feedback. I'm sorry you've also been struggling. It's nice to hear we're not alone in our struggles. Mutual support is so important in the healing process. Looking forward to reading your next post! ✌️💛
Oh my friend, I relate very much to this post. The pressure of producing for a growing audience, of trying to write without inspiration and through periods of depression, the pressure to keep up with the writing of everyone you support. You're not alone! I hope the grace you put out into the world gently lifts your spirits this week. 💛
Life is a roller coaster, right? Sometimes you're up, sometimes you're down, it twists and curves, and makes you want to laugh. And scream in terror. 🤣
So glad to see you writing again, Jeff. Your absence has certainly been noticed! I’m glad that you took time to do what you needed to do—to read, listen to music, and do the things that make you feel connected and lifted. Honestly, I could feel your energy dipping and was concerned, but don’t know you well enough to say anything… only felt a friendly human concern for a fellow human and social justice warrior. So glad you have your wife and good people in your corner to keep you going. There seems to be a shortage of good humans in the world these days. We need you! Glad you are back and appreciate your honest, vulnerable writing as always. Thank you for your transparency and constant effort to uplift. May that karma come back around double to you and your family… with peace and blessings!
Thanks for your words, Michelle. It's been a struggle, but I'm trying to pull out of it, as you can see. Thanks as always for your kindness and support. I think I'm ready to start reading some Substack posts again and I'm looking forward to seeing what you've been up to! 🙏💛
I’ve struggled a little too lately, so please don’t feel obligated to read my work! As a veteran and as a mom, the horrors of the world have been too much at times. However, writing is a cathartic exercise that almost always seems to help. I don’t want to add to your stress though so please don’t feel pressured to read my posts at all! Just glad to see you’re back at it. Even the “good guys” struggle… that’s real and it’s ok to show it. We’re all in this together, friend.
I'm sorry to hear you've been struggling, too, Michelle. I'm glad we have this community for support. Have no fear zo don't feel pressured to read your posts. I'm excited to see what I missed from you! I think I got carried away subscribing to substacks. The stuff I really want to see is getting buried in what feels like a lot of noise. I may need to prune my list so its more manageable and less overwhelming. Peace and love to you. ✌️💛
You, my long lost friend, are an inspiration. Keep fighting the good fight, spreading the love, and working on your mental and physical health. Be well! Btw... I'm currently listening to the G.D. 5-2-70 Harpur College Show.
Well, of course I love this post, not just because my furry friend, Pebs, is the featured feline at the end! Jeff, I appreciate your honestly, authenticity and courage in sharing your personal challenges as well as the impact of our current world on our emotional wellbeing. I am passionate about many causes, and have found that I have to temper my reading of current events with activities that keep me grounded. These activities give me a temporary vacation from the chaos and wrongs that are occurring daily. After having a small break (or a large one, sometimes), I can return with zest to do my part in "adding to the good". Or at least I try.
It isn't easy. Some days are better than others. Agree 400% with this: "By helping to improve the lives of others, we help to improve our own lives, as well." It's what drives me in work, and in life.
Thanks, Christine, for your feedback and for sharing Pebs with us! I appreciate your contribution to the discussion. Also my wife, also named Christine, is dying to know if Pebs is short for Pebbles or some other name. 🤔
I love talking about Pebs! She is a character, for sure, and very smart. Yes, I admit that I have spent time training her to sit, shake, and twirl. She is amazing.
There is a story as to why she is named that, but I'll save that for another time. Her name does create curiosity, especially when I take her to the vets. :) She is a bit of a trouble maker, hence why she is affectionately called "poopernodder" at times.
I really like this post, for its brutal honesty. Some people might have fallen into a hole and just sat there wallowing in self loathing. You decided to speak about it, and in doing so, may have helped people simply by making them know they are not alone. Keep doing what you’re doing — when you need a hand, lend one to another. I do believe it works.
Thanks, cousin! It's easy to feel alone in one's emotions, but sometimes we all get stuck in the swamp of despair. My hand is there for you if/when you need it.
Just wanted to say, you are definitely not alone. I, too, struggle with anxiety and depression, and current events really suck the joy out of my day.
I resonated with your frustration with the transience of good spirits. It somehow feels like personal failure to me when I cannot stay out of the depths. But, yet, as you pointed out, even the depression is transient.
I appreciated your reminder of the power of altruism and the suggestion to turn to some of the books that I also have in piles waiting to be read.
Anyway, your honesty and vulnerability is valuable. Though I’m not thrilled to be living in these precarious times. I am grateful that it is a time when so many are willing to talk openly about their mental health struggles. It makes me feel less alone and reminds me that I am not (and YOU are not) the only ones struggling.
Thanks so much for your feedback and support, Sonda! I especially appreciate that your comment came shortly after my scheduled post published. I've been anxious about how people would respond to this one. 😊
I fully understand. When something good that you enjoy doing becomes a chore...I've been there. I AM there. Part of it I attribute to age (almost 79) and the reduction of energy. But I know the that much of it is due to the depression I have suffered with throughout my life, and unfortunately have passed on to you. I truly love the way you chose to meet the challenge. You fight the good fight and perservere. And as others have said, give yourself the space to feel and recover.
Give yourself grace. At times it really is to much and a disconnect is just the thing - but try not to disconnect for too long
Jeff, I was so happy to see this post in my inbox! I love everything you shared here, from your very real struggles to the powerful actions that are keeping you going. Thanks, too, for the book reccs! And I'm happy to see so much engagement. As always, your writing is a balm and a boost. And reach out anytime, neighbor. You are wonderful. 💚
Thanks Morgan. And I appreciate you checking in with me last week. Thanks for the meditation.
This is so, very relatable, Jeff. From the world getting the better of you, to simultaneously wanting to write but not wanting to write. I've experienced similar thoughts and emotions over the last few weeks and I put this weird pressure on myself when I'm not writing as much as I "should." I'm always impressed with anyone who puts in the effort of doing the internal work to get themselves out of whatever funk/depression/world-induced anxiety they find themselves in so, you have my respect there. And you also gave me a few books to add to my Goodreads list so, thanks for that too! Just, thanks, Jeff. Show up how and when you can. I'm here for it.
Thanks, Lindsay. I appreciate the feedback. I'm sorry you've also been struggling. It's nice to hear we're not alone in our struggles. Mutual support is so important in the healing process. Looking forward to reading your next post! ✌️💛
For sure. Thanks Jeff!
Oh my friend, I relate very much to this post. The pressure of producing for a growing audience, of trying to write without inspiration and through periods of depression, the pressure to keep up with the writing of everyone you support. You're not alone! I hope the grace you put out into the world gently lifts your spirits this week. 💛
Thanks Doc. I appreciate you. 🙏
Life is a roller coaster, right? Sometimes you're up, sometimes you're down, it twists and curves, and makes you want to laugh. And scream in terror. 🤣
Sometimes you gotta let yourself do both!
So glad to see you writing again, Jeff. Your absence has certainly been noticed! I’m glad that you took time to do what you needed to do—to read, listen to music, and do the things that make you feel connected and lifted. Honestly, I could feel your energy dipping and was concerned, but don’t know you well enough to say anything… only felt a friendly human concern for a fellow human and social justice warrior. So glad you have your wife and good people in your corner to keep you going. There seems to be a shortage of good humans in the world these days. We need you! Glad you are back and appreciate your honest, vulnerable writing as always. Thank you for your transparency and constant effort to uplift. May that karma come back around double to you and your family… with peace and blessings!
🙏💖🤗
Thanks for your words, Michelle. It's been a struggle, but I'm trying to pull out of it, as you can see. Thanks as always for your kindness and support. I think I'm ready to start reading some Substack posts again and I'm looking forward to seeing what you've been up to! 🙏💛
I’ve struggled a little too lately, so please don’t feel obligated to read my work! As a veteran and as a mom, the horrors of the world have been too much at times. However, writing is a cathartic exercise that almost always seems to help. I don’t want to add to your stress though so please don’t feel pressured to read my posts at all! Just glad to see you’re back at it. Even the “good guys” struggle… that’s real and it’s ok to show it. We’re all in this together, friend.
I'm sorry to hear you've been struggling, too, Michelle. I'm glad we have this community for support. Have no fear zo don't feel pressured to read your posts. I'm excited to see what I missed from you! I think I got carried away subscribing to substacks. The stuff I really want to see is getting buried in what feels like a lot of noise. I may need to prune my list so its more manageable and less overwhelming. Peace and love to you. ✌️💛
You, my long lost friend, are an inspiration. Keep fighting the good fight, spreading the love, and working on your mental and physical health. Be well! Btw... I'm currently listening to the G.D. 5-2-70 Harpur College Show.
Great show! I just had that on early in the week. Right now, I'm working my way through all the Dick's Picks releases.
We should catch a Dark Star concert when they come to Jersey later this summer...
That would be awesome. Are you into JRAD at all? I love their interpretation of the Dead's catalog.
Well, of course I love this post, not just because my furry friend, Pebs, is the featured feline at the end! Jeff, I appreciate your honestly, authenticity and courage in sharing your personal challenges as well as the impact of our current world on our emotional wellbeing. I am passionate about many causes, and have found that I have to temper my reading of current events with activities that keep me grounded. These activities give me a temporary vacation from the chaos and wrongs that are occurring daily. After having a small break (or a large one, sometimes), I can return with zest to do my part in "adding to the good". Or at least I try.
It isn't easy. Some days are better than others. Agree 400% with this: "By helping to improve the lives of others, we help to improve our own lives, as well." It's what drives me in work, and in life.
Thanks, Christine, for your feedback and for sharing Pebs with us! I appreciate your contribution to the discussion. Also my wife, also named Christine, is dying to know if Pebs is short for Pebbles or some other name. 🤔
I love talking about Pebs! She is a character, for sure, and very smart. Yes, I admit that I have spent time training her to sit, shake, and twirl. She is amazing.
Pebs full name is Pebernodder. It is a small, danish cookie (pepper nut). https://adamantkitchen.com/danish-pebernodder/
There is a story as to why she is named that, but I'll save that for another time. Her name does create curiosity, especially when I take her to the vets. :) She is a bit of a trouble maker, hence why she is affectionately called "poopernodder" at times.
My dog is named Tyrion Lannispaw after the Game of Thrones character. That gets lots of questions at the vet, too. 🤣
I really like this post, for its brutal honesty. Some people might have fallen into a hole and just sat there wallowing in self loathing. You decided to speak about it, and in doing so, may have helped people simply by making them know they are not alone. Keep doing what you’re doing — when you need a hand, lend one to another. I do believe it works.
Thanks, cousin! It's easy to feel alone in one's emotions, but sometimes we all get stuck in the swamp of despair. My hand is there for you if/when you need it.
Just wanted to say, you are definitely not alone. I, too, struggle with anxiety and depression, and current events really suck the joy out of my day.
I resonated with your frustration with the transience of good spirits. It somehow feels like personal failure to me when I cannot stay out of the depths. But, yet, as you pointed out, even the depression is transient.
I appreciated your reminder of the power of altruism and the suggestion to turn to some of the books that I also have in piles waiting to be read.
Anyway, your honesty and vulnerability is valuable. Though I’m not thrilled to be living in these precarious times. I am grateful that it is a time when so many are willing to talk openly about their mental health struggles. It makes me feel less alone and reminds me that I am not (and YOU are not) the only ones struggling.
Thanks so much for your feedback and support, Sonda! I especially appreciate that your comment came shortly after my scheduled post published. I've been anxious about how people would respond to this one. 😊
Thanks, Steve! Good to hear from you. Hope all is well and Happy Mother's Day to Jacqueline!